Is this topic for you?

This topic is about ending a pregnancy. If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days and don't want to become pregnant, see the topic Emergency Contraception.

What is an abortion?

Abortion is the early ending of a pregnancy.

Sometimes abortion happens on its own. This is called miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. But women can also choose to end a pregnancy by getting surgery or taking medicine.

When should you see a doctor?

If you think you might be pregnant, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are pregnant, this is an important time to learn as much as you can about your options. If you are thinking about having an abortion, it’s best not to wait. The earlier you are in your pregnancy, the more options you are likely to have. Also, the risk of problems will be lower.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will do a physical exam. You will have lab tests to make sure that you are pregnant. You may also have an ultrasound.

Whether you are an adult or a teen, the law protects your privacy. Your exam and test results are your private information. Your doctor or clinic won't share them unless you give your permission.

How will you know what decision is right for you?

Deciding to continue your pregnancy or end it is very personal. Counseling may help you to decide what is best for you. If you're comfortable, you can start by talking with your doctor. Family planning clinics also offer counseling to help you decide what is best for you. You may also want to talk with someone close to you who understands how pregnancy and raising a child would affect your life. Carefully think through your choices, which are to:

• Have a baby, and support and raise your child to adulthood.
• Have a baby, and place the baby for adoption.
• Have an abortion.

When can an abortion be done?

It will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. You may have a choice between a medical abortion (which means taking medicine to end the pregnancy) and a surgical abortion such as vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), or dilation and evacuation (D&E).

After 9 weeks, surgical abortion is the only option. The risks from having an abortion in the second trimester are higher than in the first trimester.